Car Seats - what's best
for your kid and you

First thing to do is have the child's age, height and weight. The 3 types of car seats we'll discuss have weight and size limits. Which one to get at what age.

There's so many to choose from, even within the category, each manufacturer and model vary. But we'll share what we think is best for the child's age.

Infant - best for 0 - 2.5 years. 

Convertible - best for 15 months to 7 years old. 

Booster - 7 years old and up. 

We'll go into more detail why we think you should rent or buy each one when your child comes to age.

The Joie Gemm in our picture is from 0 - 15 months. Some infant seats that have adjustable head support, can be up to 35 pounds or 16 kg, like the Chicco Keyfit 35. 

Infant vs convertible seat.

• Seat is much lighter and smaller.
• Whole seat can be removed from car, will not disturb baby.
• It's better fitted for their small size.
• Some systems have a base where it can be clicked in.
• Infant inserts for younger babies, fills the gap for their tiny body.

This is the biggest, widest and heaviest of all the seats. Ideal if you have a big van or SUV. For sedans, some car seats will encroach into the next seat. Two convertible seat with a passenger may not work. Convertible, plus infant could work.

These are marketed as a forever car seat, buy one that fits from infant to booster. Infants will use the insert to fill the gaps. 

• Rear facing and front facing.
• We suggest this for kids 2.5 to 7 years old.
• Rear facing 2.5 to 4. In case of hard braking, rear facing is the best position, until child can't fit comfortably.
• Front facing 4 - 7. Some seats have multiple angles.
• Seat can't be removed as easily.
• Seat is the most expensive.

When your child is 7, or a big 6, they can move up to a booster. These should ideally be used by bigger kids because the seat belt is designed for an adult, the belt will be at their neck, that is not a good position.

These are not ideal for kids from 4-7, this position is vertically seated already. Convertible is still ideal for that age.

• Seat is much lighter than convertible.
• Back can be removed as a seat only booster.
• Seat belt positioner built-in. Proper seat belt should be at the shoulders.

Expiration date - really? Manufacturers, based on testing determine the expiration. This is due to plastic becoming brittle if placed in a car, sun exposure will be the most crucial. Varies by manufacturer, typically, Infant - 6 years, Convertible and booster 6 - 10 years. So I would be careful about those surplus seats. 

Labels are found under the seat or the side.

Installation varies by manufacturer. This is important and you must follow manufacturer's directions.

ISOFIX, LATCH. This system uses a belt and buckle, like a seat belt, that buckles to the vehicle's seat anchors. This is much easier to install and "feels" more secure when the buckles click in.

Seat belt. Some car seats do not have a latch system, but uses the vehicle's seat belts. This is also safe, but requires more practice to install. Vehicle seats and seat belt placement vary by vehicle. 

• Seats must be tight to the seat and not wobble side to side.
• Trick to make the seat tight, have a parent push or sit down on the car seat to compress the foam seat.
• Not all cars have anchors
• ISOFIX (Europe), Latch (US). Same system, different name.

LATCH - Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.

If your car seat has this system, it will be easier to install. If you need to rent a car, ask if the vehicle has them. Typically, larger vehicles will have them. 

Some car seats have the lower anchors and a top tether. The top tether is also important in crashes. The top tether is typically used in front facing seats. 

• If your car doesn't have LATCH, seatbelt method works as well.
• Proper installation is key, make sure the car seat is not loose. 

When you rent a car seat from Maxi Rents4Kids, you can rent for a minimum of 3 days and try the seat. Perhaps you need it for a weekend out or a doctors visit. Typically, most young kids won't go out as much. So you might only need it a few days of the month. 

They could also outgrow the seat and you have to get a new seat. 

Renting is a must for travelers to Manila. Bringing a car seat with you is a big hassle. It might get dirty or damaged in the plane's cargo hold.

Renting from Maxi Rents4Kids guarantees the seat and other equipment is clean. No hassle, no worries.

Plus in the long run, it's probably cheaper as well. Strollers can be checked in for free with some airlines. Some might charge for a car seat check-in or use your luggage allowance.

We also have smaller lightweight travel gear for those that want to travel out, from Manila.